Wind Energy Voice

In my early career, I had some success with selling, installing and building energy efficiency system  such as industrial heat recovery heat pumps, condensing heat exchangers, thermal storage and geothermal heat pumps. I also completed studies on low head hydro, biomass, cogeneration and district heating systems. Many good applications were found for these technologies and over the years there have been many government and utility incentive programs for them. These systems can create significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emission. However they are complex to design, build and operate, as well, are very expensive.

In many cases, these systems provide an alternative energy source for the end user. In essence, the end user becomes his own energy supplier or power generator. Before making the decision to move down this path the end user has to decide what business am I in? If my company is an industrial, commercial or institutional enterprise does it really want to become a power generator?

The US Department of Energy describes Distributed Energy Resources (DER) as energy generation and storage systems placed at or near the point of use. If implemented properly, these systems can provide the end user with greater reliability, adequate power quality, lower emissions and in combined heat and power (CHP) applications, improved efficiency. Beyond the direct benefits, DER can allow the end user to participate in competitive electric power markets. From a utility infrastructure perspective, DER has the potential to mitigate transmission congestion, control price fluctuations, strengthen security, and provide greater stability to the grid. This is why many utilities and governments support these projects as a means of resolving larger system problems.

Distributed energy encompasses a range of technologies including fuel cells, micro turbines, reciprocating engines, and energy storage systems. Renewable energy technologies—such as solar electricity, solar buildings, small-scale hydropower, geothermal, biopower, and wind turbines—also play an important role.

Distributed Energy
The non-renewable on-site generation technologies usually rely on natural gas as a fuel source. The costs to implement these systems range from $300 to $1,100/ kW for conventional engines and turbines up to $10,000/kW for fuel cells, which are still considered developmental. The cost of electricity produced by these systems is dependent on the cost of gas, system efficiency and operating and maintenance costs, but generally runs in the range of $0.10 to $0.15/kWh.

From the end users perspective, these technologies are good for peak shaving, emergency power generation or for offsetting electricity demand when purchased electricity rates exceed these levels. If waste heat can be recovered from these systems and used to produce usable heat for space or process needs, then the overall efficiency of the systems can improve to the point where it is economical to run them on a continuous basis to supply end-user energy demand. In these cases, there can be significant direct and indirect greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Renewable Energy
For renewable energy technologies, the implementation costs can be significantly higher in the range of $4000 to $10,000 per kW. When the Government of Ontario announced the launch of a Feed-in Tariff Program, renewable energy projects became a desirable subject. The FIT program offers incentives of up to $0.80/kWh and includes renewable energy sources, wind, waterpower, renewable biomass, bio-gas, landfill gas and solar. Implementing renewable energy technologies can displace non-renewable energy consumption and provide significant greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Regardless of which type of distributed energy system the end user selects, he will ultimately become his own energy supplier. Becoming your own energy supplier requires a level of operation knowledge and sophistication, which may be beyond most end users. Granted, many engineers dream about big power projects that will serve as a lasting monument to their technical abilities, however, the decision to embark on these projects has to be taken within the context of the company’s energy management plan.

A good building energy efficiency management plan, as previously discussed will consider large capital projects only after other operational and retrofit opportunities have been implemented. This will help to avoid over sizing distributed energy system. If at this point, it is found that these systems still provide benefits to the end user, I would suggest partnering with a company that will share in the cost and benefits of designing, building and operating a system that meets the end users objectives. This will allow the end user to reap a portion of the benefits consistent with the energy management plan and not lose focus of what business they are in. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”

If you already have a distributed energy system in your facility, you may have the opportunity to participate in Demand Response programs.

Original Post: building energy efficiency

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The green energy movement has now turned to green building. While the concept of green building is still in its infancy, innovators are already doing what was previously thought impossible: energy neutral housing. For Austin energy efficiency experts, this means creating designs that use as much power from the public grid as they can save or produce on their own. One of the driving factors to this growing trend is the fact that buildings are such major consumers of power, accounting for almost 40 percent of energy use in the United States.

Austin energy efficiency doesn’t just help the environment by conserving energy, it also helps inhabitants save money. For a three-bedroom home, energy bills that run more than $2,700 annually can be cut to about $700. The average household can recover the money they spent on the initial investment of building technology in approximately 12 years, after tax incentives and rebates.

While you might not be ready to make the total commitment to an energy neutral design, the first step to Austin energy efficiency can be achieved with the help of a BPI Certified Energy Audit. Through an energy audit, you can find the problem spots in any building, including insulation, shading, seals, and an assessment of HVAC equipment and duct pressure testing. The audit also can be performed in compliance with Austin’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance, which is conducted on all homes to determine their overall energy efficiency. Make sure that your auditor is a Building Analyst Professional, certified by the BPI and registered with the City of Austin.

If your home is more than 10 years old, then the next step is to obtain Performance Certification with Energy Star. This certification is a whole-house evaluation and repair program that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. The program comprehensively looks at your entire house as a system whose parts work together, and makes the necessary adjustments so that your system becomes more energy efficient, comfortable, and environmentally-conscious. The evaluation focuses on the efficiency of four main components within your home: air duct sealing or replacement, central air conditioning and heating or heat pump, solar screens, window film, low-E windows, attic insulation, and air seal. The home performance with Energy Star Rebate will cover up to 20 percent, or $1575, of the cost of many of these improvements.

Building Science and Systems is an Austin energy efficiency and upgrade company with a green touch. We apply a 21st century approach utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge technology to treat your home as a system. We provide education and skilled professionals to show homeowners how to maintain, improve, repair, and protect the value of their home. Building Science and Systems is a total home care service with a Green touch that takes the hassle out of maintaining your home. We provide custom, hassle free, Energy Audits and Green Home maintenance programs.

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400 W POWER MAX WIND TURBINE ON A WINDY NIGHT.

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Windows can cause a huge waste in your home. In fact, an average home can lose a large percentage of its heat or air conditioning through windows. Tony Ishairzay from Professional Remodeling located in Virginia, explains that vinyl energy efficient windows can save money every month by decreasing energy loss. With an increasing concern for the environment, even the government has created new ways of encouraging energy efficiency in homeowners. Although the initial cost for energy efficient windows is higher, the cost is offset by energy bill savings, the need for a smaller heating and cooling system, and the $1500 tax credit for energy efficient windows.

Windows lose and gain heat and energy through conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. Tony Ishairzay uses the illustration of greenhouses, which are made entirely of windows to both trap sunlight and heat as well as cool the space according to the outside atmosphere.

Vinyl windows are energy efficient, durable, insect proof and weather resistant. These types of windows not only inhibit UV-degradations but it also requires no painting. Beginning in 2009 until 2011, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified energy-efficient windows and doors up to $1500. This incentive is a great benefit in offsetting the initial cost of energy efficient windows but will provide greater benefits in the future.

Tony Ishairzay warns, that not all windows will be approved for this tax credit, so it is important to do your homework and shop smart when replacing your windows. Only the most energy-efficient windows and doors will qualify for the tax credit and old requirements such as the Energy Star certification is no longer sufficient. These old requirements are being replaced by newer standards such as meeting certain U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings.

Windows must have a U-Factor of .30 to meet the new requirements. The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping the home. The lower the U-factor, the more efficiently it keeps heat. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient must be .30 or less. The lower the SHGC, the more it blocks the heat of the sun, therefore reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy.  This very important information should be located on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) sticker certifying the ratings. The ratings can also be verified in the product ratings at www.nfrc.org.  The certification mark in the left hand corner of the label indicates that the window has been certified in accordance with the NFRC standards. In the right hand corner is a description of the window according to the manufacturer.

To claim the $1500 tax credit, you must purchase and install the replacement window, which meets the above requirements between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. By saving the receipt and window performance label (NFRC label) for each window you can claim the tax credit on your Federal filing for the 2009 or 2010 tax year. Tony Ishairzay reminds homeowners that only the sales price of the window will be included in the cost and installation costs will not be considered. Therefore, replacing windows now will save you money both now (through this tax credit available only through the 2010 tax year), and in the future.

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IN THIS VIDEO I MADE THE TAIL A LITTLE LONGER AND I MADE THE TAIL FIN ABOUT TWICE THE SIZE. THIS MADE THE TAIL TRACK THE WIND A LITTLE BETTER. THE WHOLE UNIT WAS TRACKING AT 30 OUT OF THE WIND BEFORE THIS. AND NOW IT TRACKS A LOT BETTER. AND IT STARTS FURLING AT ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH. I ACTUALLY WANT IT TO STAY UNFURLED TILL ABOUT 35 TO 40. I GET SOME GOOD READINGS WITH THIS STEP. THE NEXT VIDEO WILL SHOW THE BLADE SHORTENED FROM 7 FOOT 4 INCHES TO ABOUT 6 FOOT 8 INCHES. AND IT WILL FURL AT A HIGHER WIND SPEED AS A RESULT. HOW MUCH ,,, I DONT KNOW YET. THANKS FOR WATCHING. MUDDy

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Jason Bermas: House Passes Climate Bill That Congress Was”NOT”Allowed to Read!! Part 1 The latest from project Exodus – House Passes the 1200-page Climate Bill that Congress was Not Allowed to Read Aaron Dykes Infowars June 26, 2009 www.infowars.com Despite heated objections by some Republicans, the unread 1200-page Waxman-Markey climate bill was passed 219-212 in the House on Friday. Final roll call votes are listed here. During Boehners brief attempt at filibuster, he reads passages related to the usage of “qualified youth corps” to regulate energy efficiency in regards to “the sustainability of low-end income communities.” “I wonder if ACORN qualifies for these grants,” Boehner quipped. Objecting to the fact that 300 pages were added to the bill at 3 am, Minority leader John Boehner attempted a brief filibuster, giving time for colleagues and aides to scan the unread extra passages and present certain excerpts on the floor. Politico blasts his effort, reporting: That wasnt good enough for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), who delayed the roll call vote by reading page-by-page through a 300-page managers amendment Democrats added at around 3 am Friday. Boehner seemed to relish the hour-long stunt, picking out the bills most obscure language and then pontificating about what it might or might not mean. Shockingly, co-sponsor Henry Waxman objected to Boehners reading the bill on the House floor, and tried to prevent it on procedural grounds so that is contents …

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My Air-X Land 12V wind turbine is up and running. Connected to 2 Xrantex portable power packs (65ah batteries and 1500w inverter in each pack), on a good wind day will charge the batteries from dead in less than 12hrs, usually takes 2-3 days in average winds. I have it mounted on a 27′ pole with #10awg wire to the base where the power packs are located. The system runs my 16 – 11 volt deck lights, 2 strings of 100 LCD patio lights for a few hours at night, electronic bug zapper all day, charges all my rechargable tools, flashlights, camera batteries and has lots of power left available for runing small tools like my drill and weed wacker when needed. Free Green Energy – got to love it!

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At John C. Flood we often get asked what certain HVAC industry terms mean, so below we offer some common questions along with answers to help you better understand HVAC terms.

What size air conditioner do I need for my house?

Sizing a residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit depends on such variables as square footage of your home, geographic location, orientation to the sun, construction details, insulation values, window area and type, etc. Under sizing a system may lead to warmer or cooler temperatures than desired by some occupants. Over sizing the system may lead to humidity or moisture control problems in the space.

What is a BTU?

BTU stands for the British Thermal Unit (Btu). It’s a unit of heat energy within the inch-pound unit system, which is common today in the United States. The Btu is defined as the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit from 58.5 to 59.5.

A Btu is commonly used to indicate the heating and cooling capacity of a system, heat losses, and heat gains. To give an example of system capacity, a 10,000 Btu window air conditioner is capable of removing 10,000 Btus of heat per hour. To give an example in terms of heat gains, the typical heat gain added to a room by a person at rest is about 230 Btu per hour.

What is a Ton?

A ton is the unit of measurement for air-conditioning system capacity. One ton of air conditioning removes 12,000 Btus of heat energy per hour from a home. Central air conditioners are sized in tons. Residential units usually range from 1 to 5 tons.

What does EER mean? Should I spend more money for a higher EER unit?

EER stands for energy efficiency ratio. The higher the EER rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is. This can result in lower energy costs. If you go to the US Dept of Energy’s Web site you can calculate the potential energy cost savings of a more efficient unit. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI.org) posts a Certified Ratings directory, which lists EER ratings of various air- conditioning equipment.

What does SEER mean? Should I spend more money for a higher SEER unit?

SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is. A higher SEER can result in lower energy costs. Again, if you visit the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Web site you can calculate potential energy cost savings of a more efficient unit. Once more the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI.org) posts a Certified Ratings directory, which lists SEER ratings of various air-conditioning equipment.

What does HSPF mean?

HSPF stands for heating system performance factor. The higher the HSPF rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is. A higher HSPF can result in lower energy costs. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI.org) posts a certified ratings directory, which lists HSPF ratings of various air-conditioning equipment.

What does AFUE mean?

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy efficient the equipment is. A higher AFUE can result in lower energy costs. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association at www.gamanet.org, publishes a directory of certified AFUE ratings.

Hope this helps.

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When it comes to designing a green kitchen, evaluating stove cooktops for their energy efficiency can cause you to make a decision between convenience or your preferred method of cooking and being eco-friendly. But, if you really want to conserve energy and help to reduce your carbon footprint, your stove cooktop is something you need to consider in your kitchen design.

Unless you are going to cook in your fireplace over an open flame, you’ve got to consider the energy usage of the model of stove or cooktop that you buy. Most cooks prefer a gas cook top. With gas, the heat is easier to control and this can make cooking a lot easier.

However, gas stoves are powered by natural gas which is a fossil fuel and, as we know, fossil fuels are not that environmentally friendly. On the other hand, the electricity that powers electric cook tops comes mainly from coal burning power plants which, once again, are not that environmentally friendly. So, what’s an environmentally sympathetic cook to do?

When it comes right down to it, choosing stoves and cooktops that are practical and good for the environment boils down to one thing – the efficiency of energy usage.

Which Stove Cooktops Are Most Energy Efficient?

When looking for energy efficiency, the electric cooktops are going to beat the gas ones hands-down. They are simply more efficient, so if the environment is tops on your list, go with electric.

But, there are many different types of electric cooktops that you’ll need to evaluate for your green kitchen. In today’s electric cooktops, there are many choices between the surface elements. These include induction elements, halogen elements and the traditional electric coil that seemed to be almost old-fashioned today. Each of these has it’s advantages and disadvantages and they are not all equal when it comes to energy efficiency.

Needless to say, the newer technology cooktops are going to be more costly but they will also be more energy-efficient. The induction stove is the most energy-efficient because it transfers energy electromagnetically right to your pan. Of course, these are the highest priced.

The ceramic glass cooktops that use halogen elements are the next best when it comes to using energy, however if you don’t have very flat pans, you will be wasting energy because they do not work efficiently if there isn’t good pan to cooktop contact.

The least expensive – the electric coils are also the least energy-efficient not to mention the least attractive so please cross these right off your list when shopping for new cooktops for your kitchen!

When considering stove cooktops for your kitchen, you’re going to have to weigh your budget with your desire to lower your carbon footprint. Just like most things in life, you have to compromise to achieve your goals. Going with a higher-priced and more efficient model might cost you more upfront but can save on your energy expense as well as your impact to the environment over time.

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Hugh Piggott is a pioneering creator of recycled wind turbines. He has managed to power and maintain an entire community on Scotland’s north-west coast where he runs courses teaching wind turbine construction to students from all over the world. Original: www.guardian.co.uk

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